Another Musuem mystery. Was Turtle Bay’s copy of Little Mendocino painted by Grace Hudson herself? Or is it one of many dozens of copies made by other artists? “The Game is Afoot”, as another famous Holmes would say.
This miniature pendant replica represents the type and styling of gold objects that characterize the Tolima culture of central Colombia. A reproduction that accurately depicts a creation of inspiration from supernatural visions and nature. Often worn as a pendant, this piece captured an embellishing portrayal of a shaman being in an animal spirit form.
Did a local lawman really tangle with Black Bart? Explore the history of M. F. Eldridge, Black Bart, and Samuel Colt and delve into the fascinating history of Gold Rush stamped holsters in the September Artifact of the Month by volunteer Bob Harris.
In 1984, a traditional Quinua ceramic figurine was purchased from a Valerie’s Choice catalog by the
Redding Museum of Art and History, one of the predecessors of Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
Bobcats are the most abundant wildcat in North America but, being so elusive, it’s hard for anybody to ever spot one. Bobcats get their name from the shortened or bobbed tail. The coloration of a bobcat’s fur depends on where they live. If they live in the woods, they have a lot of spots. If they live in the open areas, it’s more solid.
We do not know his exact history; however, most likely someone captured him and kept him as a pet. He was malnourished and his shell became deformed, most likely due to a lack of calcium. It is hardened now, but the plastron is still not shaped correctly. He also had a respiratory disease common to captive desert tortoises and he cannot be released into the wild.
Grey foxes live throughout North America from Southern Canada to Central America and Northern South America. They like all different types of habitat from deserts to forest, but prefers areas with lots of brush and trees. Eating mostly small mammals like mice, rabbits and voles, also insects, berries, nuts, and other fruits and vegetables they find. Grey fox are known to live 6-10 years in the wild; 15 years or more in captivity.
This is Cricket, our featured animal this week for the Adopt-An-Animal program. Cricket was part of a barn owl conservation release program. He was held back as an education animal. He arrived at Turtle Bay at 8-weeks old. The trainers named him Cricket for the chirping noise barn owls make when they meet each other at the nest site. Cricket is one of the most reliable animals we use in our educational shows at Turtle Bay.
This is Loki, our featured animal this week for the Adopt-An-Animal program. Loki was found as an orphan in the spring of 2011 at only about 4-weeks old. Being an invasive species, he could not be released back into the wild. He joined us here at Turtle Bay at 6-weeks old and was raised by our animal trainers.
